Filo can be quite hard to work with, as it can tear easily or become dry. When practising this technique it is necessary to cover the unused filo sheets with a damp cloth. To bind the filo sheet together, melted butter is commonly used, but flavourless oil can be a substitue, but remember to brush each sheet liberally with butter to make it easy to shape. Practice this technique using Alyn Williams' chicken christmas cracker or Paul Ainsworth's raspberry meringue pie.

Method

1

Brush a sheet of filo with melted butter

2

Lay another sheet on top and brush with melted butter

3

Repeat the layering process until finished

4

Pile your filling into the middle

5

Carefully lift the sides to encase the filling. Make sure not to tear the pastry

6

Squeeze to close the top to cover the filling completely and brush the outside with melted butter

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